I really made an effort to only highlight the destinations I have personally visited myself or else this list would have gone on and on and on with all the sights I hope to visit one day (maybe a future post??).  But what travel guide would be complete without all the food porn?!?!?!

Here’s Part I of my 2-part FPF series for Pareeeeeee…

We have to start with my absolute favorite spot for tapas: L’Avant Comptoir.  With a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ entrance, this teeny tiny outpost is the quick-style counter dining version of Le Comptoir next door.  Instead of menus, tiny billboards are hung from the ceiling forcing patrons to look up to lap in all the goodness.  Everything appeared super delish from the images but with only 2 mouths to feed, we settled on splitting 7 dishes instead of all 30+ available for the day.

MUST GET: Grilled triangle sandwiches filled with braised pork, foie gras skewers, and fried chicken.  Seriously the BEST fried chicken tenders I’ve ever had!

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La Petite Vendome

8 Rue des Capucines | 75002 | Paris, France

I found Le Petit Vendôme through Yelp since it was located a couple blocks behind our hotel the Westin Vendôme.  I was craving steak and frites and they were the highest rated within walking proximity.  No reservations and we lucked out and were seated right away.  Although I much prefer Le Relais de l’Entrecote’s steak, this Mom and Pop version at Le Petite Vendome still hit the spot.  Le hubs ordered a veal chop (just ok) and we shared a French Onion Soup (SO yum!!).  I hear their jambon baguette goat cheese sandwiches are BOMB so next time you’re there, please get one togo for me!

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Le Soufflé

36 rue Mont Thabor | 75001 | Paris, France

There are so many highly rated restaurants in the Vendôme area (2nd arr) that you’d be hard pressed to find something mediocre.  I was CRAVING a sweet egg soufflé dessert so with another quickie Yelp search (hey I’m golden elite, gotta support my community!) I found Le Soufflé at the top of the list.  Also located behind our hotel (next door to Ferdi) it seemed like a hot family dining spot for locals.  We only came for the dessert but everyone was ordering the savory soufflés filled with chicken, veal, steak, the works!  I had the Pistachio soufflé with chocolate sauce while le hubs opted for the Soufflé grand Marnier with strawberries and sweet cream.  OMG died and went to scrumptious Parisian dessert heaven y’all!  I swear soufflé making is an art form in itself! I have NEVER found one here in SoCal that makes anything like it!

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Eric Kayser

33 rue Danielle Casanova (Multiple locations around Paris) | 75001 | Paris, France

Every morning instead of a traditional sit down breakfast, I always opt for a boulangerie instead.  I much prefer to grab a quick cappuccino and enjoy fresh baked goods or a simple fruit salad on the go.  Eric Kayser Artisan Boulanger would be considered a more high-end (read: expensive) version of your neighborhood corner bakery.  I love that they make fresh pizzas by the slice, boxed salads for working professionals, tons of pastries for your sweet tooth, all under a beautifully modern marble-clad interior that just screams luxury!  But like I said, Eric Kayser’s not cheap y’all.  We ordered a small slice of ham arugula pizza, a kiwi coconut fruit salad, a cappuccino and a small espresso shot for over 20euros.

51 rue Montorgueil | 75002 | Paris,  France

We stumbled upon Stohrer Patisserie while strolling the famous rue Montorgueil and boy were we glad we did.  The most beautifully designed Beaux-Arts space showcasing the most luxurious of pastries.  Although we were stuffed from lunch, I couldn’t pass up the famous eclairs singling out the signature salted caramel over the 4 other varieties offered that day.  Holy shizznitzzzz AMAZEBALLZ!!
Seriously look at that thing, would I steer you wrong??

Pierre Hermé is KING of macarons in ALL OF THE WORLD!!!  I’ve had Bottega Louie’s, Laduree’s, Bouchon’s, Napoleon’s, Little Next Door’s, Lette’s, Fauchon’s and NOTHING is in close proximity to the complex flavor profiles PH is notorious for.  To fully appreciate the splendor of these delicate confections, splurge on a 20pc. box and fill them up with one of each kind they’re making for the day.  That box will run you approximately 34euros so you best appreciate these glorious ganache-filled merengue pillows or you’ll be hightailing it to the nearest steakhouse wishing you bought dinner instead for this amount.

Claim-to-fame flavor: Rose, lychee and raspberry BUT I’ve NEVER met a PH mac I didn’t lalalalLOVEEEEEE!  I can’t help but gush guys, seriously.THE.BEST.EVERRRRRRRRR  and easily my last dying meal.  Well, that and THIS plate of cheese.

Service is impeccable as you can easily have a full staff of 3 waiting on you hand and foot for a simple 20pc box order.  I love that the employees really seem to LOVE their job and are more than willing to explain all the flavors in detail (in perfect English, mind you) and go out of their way to help you make the best selections during your visit.

Fun fact: I also stopped by the PH in Hong Kong (they are only located in select countries, see complete list HERE) on my last visit there and the service was just as exceptional.  Which makes me appreciate the brand even more for their utmost care and consistency.

Hope this list gives you plenty of options to eat your way through Paris y’all!  Come back next week for the 2nd installment of
Food Porn Friday the Paris Edition and check out these posts HERE, HERE, and HERE for more nommy Parisian eats!

In case you missed it, read my TOP PARIS TRAVEL GUIDE for all the sites, scenes, gardens, museums, monuments and more!

Bon Appétit mes amis!